Friday, February 26, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
The Truth
I found this in a dirt bike magazine but it easily applies to any biking.
One universal truth
It's always better to go riding.
Trust me on this one. It's taken me years of mistakes to realize that universal truths as pure and simple and unassailable as this are rare. If you're trying to decide whether you should ride this weekend, the answer is always the same. Ride. It's who you are, it's what you do and it's how you renew.
This is the case 100 percent of the time. Let me give you examples of the worst reasons for not riding:
I CAN'T AFFORD IT. Yeah, yeah, your 401(k) is in the dumpster. Big deal. What you really mean is that you're stressed out because the man on Channel Four says you might lose your job, or that you might not be able to find a job, or something else that gets you to watch TV and worry. Stress is the enemy, not finances. Riding cures stress. For at least two hours, the man on Channel Four will disappear, and your head will be filled with rocks, roots and things that are real. The man on Channel Four can't hurt you if you don't let him in your head.
I'M HURT. No, you're not. There are guys with missing arms and legs who ride all the time. They would love to have a joint that hurts. If you're so injured that you can't crawl across the garage floor and drag yourself onto your bike, then I apologize. But you and I both now that's not the case. You're just afraid that your buddy who doesn't hurt as much will beat you to the top of Dead Rat Canyon and you'll have to hear about it all the way home. It's much better than hearing about how he beat your other buddy because you weren't there.
IT'S MY WIFE'S BIRTHDAY. Give her the gift of peace. This woman married you for a reason. Who knows what she was thinking? But I promise you that she will be a happier woman if you ride and let her be free to go to the day spa. If you spend the day gazing into her eyes and professing your love, you might as well report to divorce court right now. The secret to a long, happy marriage is long, happy periods apart
I RIDE TOO MUCH. Who told you that? Was it the same person who told you that your lawn needs to look better, that your car needs to be washed or that your Christmas lights shouldn't be up in February? Was it the little man in your head who thinks that you eat too much junk, that you don't make enough money and you aren't attractive enough? Bounce that little creep out of your skull in those Lucerne Valley truck whoops; the ones with all the other little creeps lying along the trail.
I'M OUT OF SHAPE. Let's ignore the obviously circular logic here. Being out of shape is the best thing that can happen to a man. Being out of shape is a license to sweat, suffer and torture yourself in a delightful way. Being out of shape is a divine gift to mankind that lends legitimacy to the otherwise absurd activities that fuel us.
I DON'T HAVE THE TIME. Time is all you have. It's the one thing that we were given to use as we choose. You can spend it sitting in traffic or watching TV. You can spend it staring at a little video-game man who's having more of a life than you are. You can spend it working yourself into a lifeless shell. Or you can spend it soaring over trails in a fashion that is more like flying than flying itself (ask any pilot who rides). Just understand that it is your choice.
MY BIKE'S BROKEN. Who broke it? Did it just break itself while you were out? Your bike is your friend, and leaving it broken is like leaving your loved ones in a burning house. It's not done. I'll forgive you if you broke your bike today. But if you broke it yesterday and nothing has been done, you should be turned in to the authorities.
I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO RIDE WITH. What kind of losers do you have for friends? If you've fallen into a bad group, then you need to get out before it's too late. What do they do on weekends? Bowl? Do they wear bowling shirts with their names monogrammed on the sleeves? Promise me that if you see me in a bowling alley on a day I could be riding, you'll kill me. I give you permission.
I WAS INVITED TO THE WHITE HOUSE. What better place to ride? If the Secret Service won't let you unload on the White House lawn, then politely return the invitation and drive to the Hatfield-McCoy trails in West Virginia. They aren't that far.
I WAS ABDUCTED BY ALIENS. Aliens ride, too. I'm sure of it. Why else would they hang out in the desert and in secluded rural areas? Chances are you ran across the course pre-runners for the Venus to Dakar rally and they were afraid that you would ask for their environmental impact study. Make friends. Start a conversion about Husabergs. I'm almost certain that the FE570 is from outer space.
Ron Lawson – DirtBike Magazine
One universal truth
It's always better to go riding.
Trust me on this one. It's taken me years of mistakes to realize that universal truths as pure and simple and unassailable as this are rare. If you're trying to decide whether you should ride this weekend, the answer is always the same. Ride. It's who you are, it's what you do and it's how you renew.
This is the case 100 percent of the time. Let me give you examples of the worst reasons for not riding:
I CAN'T AFFORD IT. Yeah, yeah, your 401(k) is in the dumpster. Big deal. What you really mean is that you're stressed out because the man on Channel Four says you might lose your job, or that you might not be able to find a job, or something else that gets you to watch TV and worry. Stress is the enemy, not finances. Riding cures stress. For at least two hours, the man on Channel Four will disappear, and your head will be filled with rocks, roots and things that are real. The man on Channel Four can't hurt you if you don't let him in your head.
I'M HURT. No, you're not. There are guys with missing arms and legs who ride all the time. They would love to have a joint that hurts. If you're so injured that you can't crawl across the garage floor and drag yourself onto your bike, then I apologize. But you and I both now that's not the case. You're just afraid that your buddy who doesn't hurt as much will beat you to the top of Dead Rat Canyon and you'll have to hear about it all the way home. It's much better than hearing about how he beat your other buddy because you weren't there.
IT'S MY WIFE'S BIRTHDAY. Give her the gift of peace. This woman married you for a reason. Who knows what she was thinking? But I promise you that she will be a happier woman if you ride and let her be free to go to the day spa. If you spend the day gazing into her eyes and professing your love, you might as well report to divorce court right now. The secret to a long, happy marriage is long, happy periods apart
I RIDE TOO MUCH. Who told you that? Was it the same person who told you that your lawn needs to look better, that your car needs to be washed or that your Christmas lights shouldn't be up in February? Was it the little man in your head who thinks that you eat too much junk, that you don't make enough money and you aren't attractive enough? Bounce that little creep out of your skull in those Lucerne Valley truck whoops; the ones with all the other little creeps lying along the trail.
I'M OUT OF SHAPE. Let's ignore the obviously circular logic here. Being out of shape is the best thing that can happen to a man. Being out of shape is a license to sweat, suffer and torture yourself in a delightful way. Being out of shape is a divine gift to mankind that lends legitimacy to the otherwise absurd activities that fuel us.
I DON'T HAVE THE TIME. Time is all you have. It's the one thing that we were given to use as we choose. You can spend it sitting in traffic or watching TV. You can spend it staring at a little video-game man who's having more of a life than you are. You can spend it working yourself into a lifeless shell. Or you can spend it soaring over trails in a fashion that is more like flying than flying itself (ask any pilot who rides). Just understand that it is your choice.
MY BIKE'S BROKEN. Who broke it? Did it just break itself while you were out? Your bike is your friend, and leaving it broken is like leaving your loved ones in a burning house. It's not done. I'll forgive you if you broke your bike today. But if you broke it yesterday and nothing has been done, you should be turned in to the authorities.
I DON'T HAVE ANYONE TO RIDE WITH. What kind of losers do you have for friends? If you've fallen into a bad group, then you need to get out before it's too late. What do they do on weekends? Bowl? Do they wear bowling shirts with their names monogrammed on the sleeves? Promise me that if you see me in a bowling alley on a day I could be riding, you'll kill me. I give you permission.
I WAS INVITED TO THE WHITE HOUSE. What better place to ride? If the Secret Service won't let you unload on the White House lawn, then politely return the invitation and drive to the Hatfield-McCoy trails in West Virginia. They aren't that far.
I WAS ABDUCTED BY ALIENS. Aliens ride, too. I'm sure of it. Why else would they hang out in the desert and in secluded rural areas? Chances are you ran across the course pre-runners for the Venus to Dakar rally and they were afraid that you would ask for their environmental impact study. Make friends. Start a conversion about Husabergs. I'm almost certain that the FE570 is from outer space.
Ron Lawson – DirtBike Magazine
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
THE ALBERTA BATTLE OF THE BIKES
Calgarians and Edmontonians have a special relationship.
We often seem like warring siblings: At the end of the day we’re all proud Albertans, but sometimes the fighting, insult hurling and sheer competition takes over. Anyone who has ever attended Oilers - Flames game knows exactly what the Battle of Alberta means.
We’re adding a new element to this ongoing rivalry and we need your help. This ain’t Lanny MacDonald vs Wayne Gretzky but it is an all-out athletic battle for a great cause!
On Sunday, March 14, 1:00-2:00 pm, we are staging Alberta’s first Battle of the Bikes to raise awareness and support for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Cyclists will square off in giant spinning classes at Northlands in Edmonton and Eau Claire Mall in downtown Calgary. This really promises to be a spectacle and we’ll be inviting the media to participate and cover each event....because the city with the most participants gets bragging rights.
And there could be more. Currently the Guinness World Record for stationery cycling classes stands at 423 participants. We hope to break this record but it can only happen in one city. There’s no charge to participate and it’s open to everyone. So get as many friends as you can out there on bikes; help claim the victory for your favorite city - and together we’ll raise even more awareness about the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
http://ab10.conquercancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=ab10_battle
We often seem like warring siblings: At the end of the day we’re all proud Albertans, but sometimes the fighting, insult hurling and sheer competition takes over. Anyone who has ever attended Oilers - Flames game knows exactly what the Battle of Alberta means.
We’re adding a new element to this ongoing rivalry and we need your help. This ain’t Lanny MacDonald vs Wayne Gretzky but it is an all-out athletic battle for a great cause!
On Sunday, March 14, 1:00-2:00 pm, we are staging Alberta’s first Battle of the Bikes to raise awareness and support for the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer benefiting the Alberta Cancer Foundation. Cyclists will square off in giant spinning classes at Northlands in Edmonton and Eau Claire Mall in downtown Calgary. This really promises to be a spectacle and we’ll be inviting the media to participate and cover each event....because the city with the most participants gets bragging rights.
And there could be more. Currently the Guinness World Record for stationery cycling classes stands at 423 participants. We hope to break this record but it can only happen in one city. There’s no charge to participate and it’s open to everyone. So get as many friends as you can out there on bikes; help claim the victory for your favorite city - and together we’ll raise even more awareness about the Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer.
http://ab10.conquercancer.ca/site/PageServer?pagename=ab10_battle
Monday, February 22, 2010
Stretchin' the Legs in Vancouver
While Lockie, Dallas, Thomas and Trev are putting in the hard miles in Victoria, I'm busy enjoying myself at the "Winter" Olympics, although I really wish I packed my bike: the weather`s been fantastic!
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Stretchin' the legs in Victoria
Trev, Dallas, Thomas and I (Lockie) joined Frank at his sister's house this past weekend in Victoria for a cycle-fest. Holy, that place is amazingly beautiful. And hilly. Perfect terrain for Frank to give a climbing school on hundreds of 6%, 10%, 15% hills, Dallas to lay the hurt on whenever it was less steep, and Trev to challenge them both, resulting in Thomas and I hanging on for dear life for 500+ km of killer cycling in super-duper weather.
A quick summary...4 days of hill intervals.
A less quick summary: we started Thurs with the Mallahat: 15km of 4%? 6%? and then Shawnigan Lake, then the Mallahat in reverse for a 145km day. Logged it. Then another long day through...I don't know, East Sooke? Millstream? and ending on Humpback and Kangaroo Rd, another 135km. Saturday we hit the Wheelers ride to defend our sprint title (from last year)...wicked lead out by the boys, but I jumped 50m too early (or 250km too late, depending on how you want to look at it) and a dude on my wheel came around to take it. I WAS the first-placed non-Olympian, but I'll admit that the winner was racing before I was born...yeah, ouch. Dallas and I retired for the day, while the others did a 40km warm-down ride on some 10% hills. Today we were headed for Jordan River, but ended up doing 60km (each way) on the Galloping Goose bike trail, part mirror-smooth ashphalt, part-packed gravel. Rad.
A quick summary...4 days of hill intervals.
A less quick summary: we started Thurs with the Mallahat: 15km of 4%? 6%? and then Shawnigan Lake, then the Mallahat in reverse for a 145km day. Logged it. Then another long day through...I don't know, East Sooke? Millstream? and ending on Humpback and Kangaroo Rd, another 135km. Saturday we hit the Wheelers ride to defend our sprint title (from last year)...wicked lead out by the boys, but I jumped 50m too early (or 250km too late, depending on how you want to look at it) and a dude on my wheel came around to take it. I WAS the first-placed non-Olympian, but I'll admit that the winner was racing before I was born...yeah, ouch. Dallas and I retired for the day, while the others did a 40km warm-down ride on some 10% hills. Today we were headed for Jordan River, but ended up doing 60km (each way) on the Galloping Goose bike trail, part mirror-smooth ashphalt, part-packed gravel. Rad.
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Banff Bike Fest Registration Open
Check it out:
Banff Bike Fest
For those that have been before, I know I will see you there again. For those that have not attended before, you (and your boyfriend/girlfriend/family, if applicable) must not miss this multi-day event.
Banff Bike Fest
For those that have been before, I know I will see you there again. For those that have not attended before, you (and your boyfriend/girlfriend/family, if applicable) must not miss this multi-day event.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Loppet Report: Canadian Birkebeiner
Hey all,
To give myself a break from thinking about cycling all the time, I do some nordic skiing in the winter. This year, me and a couple of friends decided to try our hand at the Canadian Birkebeiner Loppet east of Edmonton. My friend Patrick and I did the 55 km with pack event, which is based on the Birkebeiner legend, while our other friend Mel did the 31 km event. So, my job on Saturday was to get this little guy safely to the finish line:
Giro d'Italia Board Game Evening
Good Afternoon Speed Theory,
As some of you may know (and some have guessed) I am a big geek, and I love playing board games. Relatively recently I picked up the Giro d'Italia Board game. Having played it a half dozen times I've found it to be an extremely fun and realistic cycling simulation. I'd like to have whomever is interested in playing over at my place on March 6th. We'll start around 4pm and will run until about 10 or 11pm. Each race takes 1.5 hours and I would like to do 3 or 4 stages or the 2009 Giro.
If you are interested, please send me an e-mail, dmorgantini (at) gmail. The game plays to 12 players.
Cheers,
David
As some of you may know (and some have guessed) I am a big geek, and I love playing board games. Relatively recently I picked up the Giro d'Italia Board game. Having played it a half dozen times I've found it to be an extremely fun and realistic cycling simulation. I'd like to have whomever is interested in playing over at my place on March 6th. We'll start around 4pm and will run until about 10 or 11pm. Each race takes 1.5 hours and I would like to do 3 or 4 stages or the 2009 Giro.
If you are interested, please send me an e-mail, dmorgantini (at) gmail. The game plays to 12 players.
Cheers,
David
Speed theory women...why you need a cross bike?
Hey Gals!
Went riding on Saturday and missed your company. I thought I would post my reasons for using a cross bike in hopes that a couple of Speed Theory women can join us next time.
1. What else do you ride outdoors from October to April?
2. It is a perfect commuter. Great value in a very reasonably priced bike
3. Cross races!
4. Less time on the trainer and more time outside
5. Save your road bike from the gravel on the highway
6. It is easy to install full fenders on a cross bike. The person behind you will appreciate this.
7. I am at home writing this blog because I can't find anyone to ride with.
Convinced yet? See you next weekend!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Banff National Park Bike Fest - OPEN WOMEN'S STAGE RACE
OKAY WOMEN WE NEED TO BE AT THIS RACE! EXPRESS YOUR COMMITMENT BY LEAVING A COMMENT AND CONTACTING MICAELA!
Banff National Park Bike Fest
June 17 - 20, 2010
Banff Lake Louise Tourism is extending an invitation for the Open Women’s Stage Race at the 2010 Banff National Park Bike Fest. This Pro/Am styled stage race is open to 50 Open Women riders. There are four stages; a Surprise Corner Prologue, 80km sprint road race, ITT, and a downtown Criterium. This event is sanctioned by the Alberta Bicycle Association.
Prize Purse: $20,000!
Stage One, Surprise Corner Prologue
Thursday June 17th
Location: Town of Banff
Time: 4pm
Stage Two, 1A Sprint
Friday June 18th
Location: From Lake Louise along the 1A Hwy return.
Time: 10am
Stage Three, Individual Time Trial
Saturday June 19th
Location: 21km loop in the Lake Minnewanka area of Banff National Park
Time: 8am
Stage Four, Downtown Banff Criterium
Saturday June 19th
Time: 5pm
Race Entry Fee: Entry is $125 per rider for four events (Surprise Corner Prologue, 1A Sprint, ITT, & Crit). GST not included
Please indicate weather or not you will be interested in participating by April 17th, 2010.
*A minimum of 40 Female riders will be required to run this event.
Reply and Contact Info: Banff Lake Louise Tourism: Micäela Schrag – email: micaela@banfflakelouise.com tel: 403-762-0284
Banff National Park Bike Fest
June 17 - 20, 2010
Banff Lake Louise Tourism is extending an invitation for the Open Women’s Stage Race at the 2010 Banff National Park Bike Fest. This Pro/Am styled stage race is open to 50 Open Women riders. There are four stages; a Surprise Corner Prologue, 80km sprint road race, ITT, and a downtown Criterium. This event is sanctioned by the Alberta Bicycle Association.
Prize Purse: $20,000!
Stage One, Surprise Corner Prologue
Thursday June 17th
Location: Town of Banff
Time: 4pm
Stage Two, 1A Sprint
Friday June 18th
Location: From Lake Louise along the 1A Hwy return.
Time: 10am
Stage Three, Individual Time Trial
Saturday June 19th
Location: 21km loop in the Lake Minnewanka area of Banff National Park
Time: 8am
Stage Four, Downtown Banff Criterium
Saturday June 19th
Time: 5pm
Race Entry Fee: Entry is $125 per rider for four events (Surprise Corner Prologue, 1A Sprint, ITT, & Crit). GST not included
Please indicate weather or not you will be interested in participating by April 17th, 2010.
*A minimum of 40 Female riders will be required to run this event.
Reply and Contact Info: Banff Lake Louise Tourism: Micäela Schrag – email: micaela@banfflakelouise.com tel: 403-762-0284
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
For All Cat 5 New Members
Greetings all new Speed Theory Cat 5er's,
I've been told some of you have been asking about what the Cat 5 training ride schedule will look like once spring arrives. I don't have anything to report quite yet, but make sure to stay tuned to the blog and we'll get plans posted soon.
I've been told some of you have been asking about what the Cat 5 training ride schedule will look like once spring arrives. I don't have anything to report quite yet, but make sure to stay tuned to the blog and we'll get plans posted soon.
New team member a fully sponsored athlete!
Dallas Cain had an up and down year in 2009, but one of the biggest 'ups' was hearing word that he would get the 'full-ride' from Specialized for triathlon. He woke up one morning and his bike, helmet, shoes, clothing, glasses, etc were waiting for him at the shop. Would have been a pretty cool feeling. For 2010 he has decided to continue some tris but is slowly being convinced by me to join the leagues of the hard-men and race a pure sport. You never know, we may even get to see him race a cyclo-cross at the end of the season. However, at 6foot7 he can't really borrow a bike from me or Jared... or Darcy !
I had a great shot of Dallas of riding Jay's 48cm Cervelo P3 and Jay riding Dallas' 62cm P3, but I can't seem to locate them.
We'll expect some quick times for the TT's and maybe some TTing in the road races. Here is his blog if you want to keep updated on his 'happenings'.
Weekend Rides
Hello Speed Theory Women
Shawna and I are taking our cross bikes out this weekend.Why train indoors when we can have fun outside?Please email me if you are interested in joining us.
marcy.kimpton@gmail.com
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Nose Hill XC
Carl and I hit up the Nose Hill XC. This was my 7th time in a row racing this event !! I can't believe I have been competing at these so long. I am super pumped to be taking over as race director for this race next year and hope I can convince a few more people to give this race a go.
It was a super sunny day so the camera quality is a little better. Curtis Sampson is a veteran Calgary Road Runner, and he wore the second camera.
Rob Lukacs promised he would be there with us.....
.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Commemorative Clothing is in and READY for pickup!
I have the box of clothing at my house. It will be set up as of 4pm today.
Drive up to the house, walk around to the BACK, proceed to the NORTH side of the house, enter the shed, look on the spreadsheet to remember what you ordered, root through the box, grab your stuff, check off you took your stuff, close the shed door. You can also pop in for a visit if it looks like I am home. Don't come really late at night, that is creepy.
.
XTERRA Winter Triathlon
Hey everyone
I just signed up for the Xterra Winter Triathlon and I’m wondering if anyone else has signed up, or is interested in signing up.
Here is the link for more information and registration. Looks like lots of fun…well, the downhill part at least.
http://www.smithevents.ca/id7.html
If anyone is interested in doing a little training for it, please let me know: sdonaldson7996@hotmail.com
It's only 6 weeks away!
Shawna
I just signed up for the Xterra Winter Triathlon and I’m wondering if anyone else has signed up, or is interested in signing up.
Here is the link for more information and registration. Looks like lots of fun…well, the downhill part at least.
http://www.smithevents.ca/id7.html
If anyone is interested in doing a little training for it, please let me know: sdonaldson7996@hotmail.com
It's only 6 weeks away!
Shawna
Article on Masters Training.
I mentioned during the spin class I wrote a little article on an aspect of Master's training that is often overlooked. A few of you were interested, here it is.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Looking for input!
Hello,
For those of you that were at this year's AGM , Trev mentioned that I have offered to manage the team's digital communication. This could be anything from just being a point of contact for members of the team to find out what is out there and what other members are using to building a site that meets the needs of the team.
What I would like to find out at this point, is what you guys think. What types of social networks are you using,? How are you using the current blog, forum, other stuff I don't know about.? Also, what kind of information would you like the site to provide that it is not currently there?
If you have any ideas or comments about what you would like to see, either email those to me at scott.gc@gmail.com or you can just post a comment here.
Scott
For those of you that were at this year's AGM , Trev mentioned that I have offered to manage the team's digital communication. This could be anything from just being a point of contact for members of the team to find out what is out there and what other members are using to building a site that meets the needs of the team.
What I would like to find out at this point, is what you guys think. What types of social networks are you using,? How are you using the current blog, forum, other stuff I don't know about.? Also, what kind of information would you like the site to provide that it is not currently there?
If you have any ideas or comments about what you would like to see, either email those to me at scott.gc@gmail.com or you can just post a comment here.
Scott
Clothing!! It's time and it's cooler than ever.
Guys, Thomas has come up with an evolution to the jersey I am sure most will think is cool! Next time you see him, either let him win a sprint or buy him a beer (depending on venue). I have cleared with the ABA that we can race with either the 2009 or 2010 design. Most of us will need to be buying the 2010 jersey simply due to the old one either smelling or getting really old.
A high quality version is available here if you want to view it in better detail.
Please download the order spreadsheet here, save it onto your desktop, and READ IT. Then follow the instructions.
Deadline is the end of the day Feb. 19th 2010. You MUST be a team member at the time of ordering. If you are waffling about joining the team, we are not guaranteeing a 'second round' of clothing orders.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Women's Team open house reminder.
Just a reminder that the Women's Team and potential members open house is tonight (Tuesday Feb 2) 6:00pm at Speed Theory. If you are at all interested in racing and training with the team please come to this casual meet and greet. All levels are welcome and encouraged.
The details
The details
Speed Theory Calgary
#130-5403 Crowchild Trail NW
Calgary, AB
T3B 4Z1
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